What Happened This Year 2011

People Who Died in 2011

John Mackey

American football player and tight end
Born
September 24th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 70 years old

Played in the National Football League as a tight end. Started career with the Baltimore Colts and later played for the New York Jets. Renowned for contributions to the game, particularly in the position of tight end. Key player in the Baltimore Colts' victory in Super Bowl V. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, recognizing a successful career and influence on the sport.

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Marv Tarplin

Guitarist and songwriter for The Miracles
Born
June 13th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent guitarist and songwriter, contributed significantly to the Motown sound. Joined The Miracles in the early 1960s and played a vital role in shaping their musical style. Wrote and performed on hit songs that defined the era, collaborating closely with Smokey Robinson. His work with The Miracles led to a series of successful albums and singles, impacting the musical landscape of the time.

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Cesária Évora

Cape Verdean singer and musician
Born
August 27th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 70 years old

Born in the Cape Verde archipelago, Évora achieved international acclaim as a singer of morna, a traditional genre combining African and Portuguese influences. Her powerful voice and emotive performances captured the essence of Cape Verde's cultural heritage. Évora rose to prominence in the 1990s, particularly after the release of the album 'Mar Azul' in 1991. Subsequent albums, 'Café Atlantico' and 'Voz d'Amor', further solidified her reputation worldwide. Évora often performed barefoot, reflecting her connection to her roots and her humility. She toured extensively, enchanting audiences in Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

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Karel Rachůnek

Czech ice hockey player and forward
Born
August 27th, 1979 45 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 32 years old

A professional ice hockey player, played as a forward. Played in the NHL for the Ottawa Senators and the New York Rangers. Represented the Czech Republic in international competitions, contributing to the team's success at various championships. Lost his life in a plane crash in 2011 while playing for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the KHL.

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Eleanor Ross Taylor

American poet and educator
Born
June 30th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 91 years old

An accomplished poet and educator, this individual contributed significantly to American literature. Published works include 'The Poets of the Future' and 'Wilderness;', which reflect profound themes and engaging language. Teaching roles included positions at various educational institutions, inspiring future generations of writers. The poetry often exhibits a deep connection to nature and personal experience, reinforcing the importance of observation and introspection in the art of writing.

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Würzel

English singer and guitarist with Motörhead
Born
October 23rd, 1949 75 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 62 years old

Born in 1949, this English musician gained prominence as the guitarist for the heavy metal band Motörhead. Starting his career in the early 1980s, this guitarist contributed to the band's distinctive sound during a significant period. In addition to his work with Motörhead, he also released solo albums and collaborated with various artists in the rock genre. His energetic performances and riff-heavy playing style became a hallmark of his contributions to rock music until his passing.

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Hideki Irabu

Baseball player and Yankees pitcher
Born
May 15th, 1969 55 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 42 years old

Played professional baseball as a pitcher, primarily in Major League Baseball (MLB). Made debut in 1997 with the San Diego Padres. Became a member of the New York Yankees in 1999, contributing to the team during a successful period. Achieved a career-high 10 wins in 2000. Played for the Montreal Expos as well later in his career. Known for his fastball and being the first Japanese player to be signed by the Yankees.

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Miroslav Tichý

Czech Photographer of unique style
Born
November 20th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 85 years old

A Czech photographer developed a unique style characterized by homemade cameras and a fascination with capturing women in everyday life. Tichý's work remained largely unknown during his lifetime, with few exhibitions. A significant part of his photography process involved creating the cameras from found materials, resulting in a distinctive aesthetic. After years of obscurity, his work gained recognition in the 2000s, leading to exhibitions around the world. The importance of Tichý's work lies in its raw, candid nature, providing insight into the psyche of the artist and his subjects.

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Pete Rugolo

Composer and conductor of jazz music
Born
December 25th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 96 years old

An Italian-American composer and producer contributed significantly to the jazz genre, particularly through work in the 1940s and 1950s. Collaborated with notable artists and orchestras, creating unique arrangements that blended orchestral elements with jazz. Worked extensively with the Modernaires and the Stan Kenton Orchestra, playing a key role in defining the 'West Coast Sound.' Also composed for television and film, expanding the influence of jazz into popular media. Rugolo's techniques and exploration of jazz forms left a lasting legacy in the music industry.

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